Ajmal aims to become top-ranked Test bowler during South Africa series

Karachi, Jan. 10 (ANI): Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal, who delivered a brilliant performance against India, is now focusing on the upcoming tour of South Africa where he aims to become the top-ranked Test bowler.

Pakistan are scheduled to depart for South Africa later this month for a full series comprising three Tests, two Twenty20s and five One-Day Internationals against the hosts from January 25 to March 24, reports The Express Tribune.

Although the assignment is dubbed as the toughest one this year, the off-spinner remains optimistic about his team's prospects. He says Pakistan has the potential to perform anywhere.

Ajmal seemed unfazed by the fact that the South Africa tracks favour fast-bowlers more than spinners. He said his individual target during the tour is to overcome Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander in the bowlers' rankings for Tests.

Meanwhile, Ajmal - who played only the first game for his Big Bash League team Adelaide Strikers before returning to participate in the India tour - is expected to rejoin the Twenty20 team in Australia if they qualify for the tournament's semi-finals.

According to an official, he has been given an NOC by the board to feature in the final. He is likely to depart on January 13.

Strikers will face Perth Scorchers in their last league game Thursday, which will determine their position as three semi-final spots are yet to be contested.

The semi-finals will be played on January 15 and 16 with the final slated for January 19.(ANI)